GROBBEN, Bert J. L. (Guangcai International Mansions, 1-6B Gongtixilu 18,Chaoyang District, Beijing 0, 100020, CN)
SUN, Tao (5-4-409, 19# Lu Chang Jie Tou Tiao, Beijing 0, 100050, CN)
CHIO, Joseph Tan (1010 Leman Lake Baixinzhuang, Shunyi District, Beijing 8, 101318, CN)
GROBBEN, Bert J. L. (Guangcai International Mansions, 1-6B Gongtixilu 18,Chaoyang District, Beijing 0, 100020, CN)
SUN, Tao (5-4-409, 19# Lu Chang Jie Tou Tiao, Beijing 0, 100050, CN)
| CLAIMS What is claimed is: 1. A portable mini-washer, comprising a) a casing defining an interior space, the casing comprising a front face, a left side face in lateral connection with the front face, a right side face in lateral connection with the front face and opposite the left side face, a top face in vertical connection with the front face, the left side face and the right side face, and a transparent window on the casing, optionally wherein, one or more of the connections are established via a diagonal face, b) a cleansing cup, the cleansing cup comprising therein a stirring device, and the cleansing cup further comprising a transparent portion which faces the transparent window of the casing, wherein the casing and the cleansing cup are manufactured separately and wherein the cleansing cup is put and fixed in the interior space. 2. The portable mini-washer according to claim 1, wherein the transparent window is located on a location selected from the group consisting of the front face, the left side face, the right side face, the top face, and any combination thereof. 3. The portable mini -washer according to claim 1, wherein the casing further comprises a bottom face in vertical connection with the front face, the left side face and the right side face and opposite the top face. 4. The portable mini- washer according to claim 1, wherein the casing further comprises a back face in vertical connection with the top face, in lateral connection with the left side face and the right side face, and opposite the front face. 5. The portable mini-washer according to claim 4, wherein the casing further comprises a door, preferably wherein the back face comprises the door, and wherein the cleansing cup is removable from the casing through the door. 6. The portable mini -washer according to claim 1, wherein the casing comprises a clamp therein, wherein the clamp protrudes into the interior space from one or more of the faces, and wherein the cleansing cup is fixed in place by the clamp. 7. The portable mini-washer according to claim 3, wherein the top face comprises an opening, wherein the interior space comprises a recession formed in the bottom face, and wherein the cleansing cup is fixed in place by the opening and the recession. 8. The portable mini- washer according to claim 1, wherein the cleansing cup comprises a cup bottom, preferably wherein the cleansing cup further comprises a cup cover, and wherein the stirring device protrudes from a location selected from the group consisting of the cup bottom, the cup cover, and a combination thereof. 9. The portable mini-washer according to claim 1, wherein the cleansing cup comprises a drainpipe, preferably wherein the drainpipe is located in or near the cup bottom. 10. The portable mini-washer according to claim 1 , wherein the casing and the cleansing cup are made from water-proof materials, preferably wherein the water-proof material is selected from the group consisting of plastics, rubber, cloth, paperboard, and a combination thereof. |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a mini-washer. Specifically, the present invention relates to a portable mini-washer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Detergent manufacturers and/or suppliers have attempted to on-site demonstrate the performance of a detergent so as to persuade the consumers to purchase their detergent or at least favorably impress the consumers. Generally, the demonstrator uses a basin-like container to wash a test cloth by hand to demonstrate. However, nowadays, more and more people use a washer or washing machine to wash clothes, and more and more kinds of detergent are designed for use in a washer or washing machine. Furthermore, it is generally believed that the cleansing effect in a washer or washing machine is not as good as that by hand. Therefore, the demonstration by hand is often not so convincing for the customer.
To encourage the customer to purchase their product(s), some manufacturers and/or suppliers have considered providing a more convincing demonstration with the aid of a real washer or washing machine. However, in the case that the demonstration is performed in an exhibition hall or a marketplace where the necessary water supply and drainage are absent, such a demonstration will require a long pipe to receive water from the water supply far away and a long pipe to deliver the waste water to the drainage far away. The demonstrator often finds it inconvenient to do so especially for the following reasons. First, the washer or washing machine usually has a big size and therefore requires a big area to hold it; second, it is usually a tough job for the demonstrator to carry a washer or washing machine with a big size from one location to another location to perform the demonstration; third, the big size of the washer or washing machine will require a big volume of water and a big amount of detergent even in the case of only a small cloth or a pair of socks or the like to be cleaned; fourth, the presence of the long pipes makes the site in a mess, and usually needs some time to manage the pipes and keep the environment neat, especially before and after the demonstration.
Accordingly, the need exists for a mini-washer, which is preferably portable, by which the demonstrator can easily and conveniently perform the demonstration in various sites. The need also exists for a mini-washer, which can simulate the actions of a real washer or washing machine. The need also exists for a mini- washer, which takes up much less space. The need also exists for a mini-washer, which is simple in construction and easy to manufacture and use. The need also exists for a mini-washer, which can help to perform the demonstration with much less water and detergent. The need also exists for a mini- washer, which can dispense with the pipes connected to deliver the water from a water supply far away or to drainage far away. The need also exists for a mini-washer, which can provide a visual demonstration of the cleansing effect through the whole cleansing process.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, the present invention relates to a portable mini -washer. Specifically, the present invention relates to a portable mini-washer having a casing, a cleansing cup, and a transparent window on the casing. The casing, which defines an interior space, has a front face, a left side face in lateral connection with the front face, a right side face in lateral connection with the front face and opposite the left side face, and a top face in vertical connection with the front face, the left side face and the right side face. Optionally, one or more of the connections are established via a diagonal face. The cleansing cup includes therein a stirring device, and has a transparent portion which faces the transparent window of the casing. The casing and the cleansing cup are manufactured separately and the cleansing cup is put and fixed in the interior space.
It has now been found that the portable mini-washer of the present invention can facilitate the demonstrator to perform the demonstration in various sites. Particularly, the portable mini-washer of the present invention can provide at least one of the following benefits: The portable mini-washer may simulate the actions of a real washer or washing machine. The portable mini -washer may be convenient to carry from one location to another location. The portable mini-washer may take up much less space than a real, full- sized washer. The portable mini-washer may be less limited by the demonstration site. The portable mini-washer may be simple in construction and easy to manufacture and use. The portable mini-washer may need much less water and detergent to complete the demonstration. The portable mini-washer may be able to dispense with the pipes connected to deliver the water from a water supply far away or to drainage far away. The portable mini-washer may provide a visual demonstration of the cleansing effect through the whole cleansing process. These and other benefits will be readily apparent when considered with reference to the following description and when taken in combination with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description of the accompanying figures. In the accompanying figures, like reference numerals identify structurally corresponding elements, which may or may not be identical in the several exemplary embodiments that are depicted. Some of the figures may have been simplified by the omission of selected elements for the purpose of more clearly showing other elements. Such omissions of elements in some figures are not necessarily indicative of the presence or absence of particular elements in any of the exemplary embodiments, except as may be explicitly delineated in the corresponding written description. In the accompanying figures,
Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the mini-washer according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the mini-washer according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the mini-washer according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the mini-washer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the mini-washer according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 6 illustrates some embodiments of the cleansing cups which can be applied to the mini-washer according to the present invention;
Fig. 7 illustrates another two embodiment of the stirring device which can be applied to the cleansing cup of the mini-washer according to the present invention.
Fig. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the clamp which can be applied to the mini- washer according to the present invention;
Fig. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the clamp which can be applied to the mini- washer according to the present invention; Fig. 10 illustrates an embodiment of the clamp which can be applied to the mini- washer according to the present invention;
Fig. 1 1 illustrates an embodiment of the clamp which can be applied to the mini- washer according to the present invention;
The figures herein are not necessarily drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As used herein, any of the terms "comprising", "having", "containing" and "including" means that other steps, ingredients, elements, etc. which do not adversely affect the end result can be added. Each of these terms encompasses the terms "consisting of and "consisting essentially of. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the materials, elements and/or equipment herein are believed to be widely available from multiple suppliers and sources around the world.
The term "lateral connection" refers to a connection through which the connected faces extends each other along a substantial horizontal direction and wherein the connection line between the two connected faces is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane. Directions within ± 45 0 of the horizontal direction are considered to be "substantial horizontal", and lines within < ± 45 ° of the perpendicular line are considered to be "substantially perpendicular".
The term "vertical connection" refers to a connection through which the connected faces extends each other along a direction substantially perpendicular to the horizontal direction and wherein the connection line between the two connected faces is substantial horizontal.
The term "opposite" refers to two faces being not in direct connection and being substantially parallel to each other. Two faces at an angle within ± 45° and having no common borderline are considered to be "substantially parallel".
The term "diagonal face" refers to a face along a plane generally at an angle, which is not 0 ° , 90 ° , 180 0 and 360 ° , to at least one of the horizontal plane and the plane perpendicular to the horizontal plane.
The term "transparent" as used herein means that a normal person, when viewing from the outside of the specific part, is able to view the inside of the specific part during normal lighting conditions as found in a supermarket or other store where the demonstration is potentially taking place. Therefore, the term "transparent" encompasses the term "clear" as well as "tinted" as well as other such terms.
According to the present invention, a portable mini-washer is provided. Specifically, the portable mini-washer has a casing and a cleansing cup, and a transparent window on the casing. The casing, which defines an interior space, has a front face, a left side face in lateral connection with the front face, a right side face in lateral connection with the front face and opposite the left side face, a top face in vertical connection with the front face, the left side face and the right side face, Optionally, one or more of the connections are established via a diagonal face; the cleansing cup includes therein a stirring device. The cleansing cup further has a transparent portion which faces the transparent window of the casing. The casing and the cleansing cup are manufactured separately; and the cleansing cup is put and fixed in the interior space.
As can be seen from the accompanying figures, the mini-washer, 20, is configured as including a casing, 100, and a cleansing cup, 200, which together constitute a washer-like appearance and can perform the function of a washer in a small scale and in a convenient way.
The casing
Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the mini-washer, 20, according to the present invention. Fig. 1(a) is a back perspective view of the embodiment, while Fig 1(b) is a front perspective view of the same embodiment.
Referring to Fig. 1 , the casing, 100, has a front face, 102; a left side face, 104, in lateral connection with the front face, 102; a right side face, 106, in lateral connection with the front face, 102, and opposite the left side face, 104; a top face, 108, in vertical connection with the front face, 102, the left side face, 104, and the right side face, 106; and a transparent window, 120, on the front face, 102, of the casing, 100.
The transparent window, 120, can be located on any part of the casing, 100, as long as the observer can observe the interior space of the casing through the transparent window.
Typically, the transparent window, 120, is located on the front face of the casing, so that the observer can observe the interior space of the casing from the front view. Alternatively or additionally, the transparent window, 120, can be located on the left side face, 104, the right side face, 106, the top face, 108, or any combination thereof, so as to meet the requirement of observing from various views. There is no particular limitation about the style of the transparent window, 120, as long as the observer can observe the interior space of the casing through the transparent window. Typically, the transparent window has a shape such as a square, rectangle, round, trapezoid, or a combination thereof. For example, the transparent window has a shape of quadrate in which one or more of the corners are cut off or rounded, as shown in Figs. 1 to 3. The transparent windows located on different faces can have different styles or shapes.
The transparent window may simply be a hole cut into the casing, or may alternatively be made of a sheet of glass, plastic, film, etc. as desired.
In Fig. 1(a), the casing, 100, defines an interior space, 107, which contains the cleansing cup, 200 therein. In Fig. 1(b), the cleansing cup, 200, may be seen through the transparent window, 120. The top face, 108, also has an opening, 140, which fits the opening of the cleansing cup, 200. With this structure, water, test cloth, detergent, and other things necessary for demonstration can be directly and conveniently put into and taken from the cleansing cup, 200, through the opening, 140, without the step of separating the cleansing cup, 200, from the casing, 100, beforehand.
Fig. 2 shows a mini-washer, 20, similar to that in Fig. 1, except that the casing, 100, further has a bottom face, 1 10, in vertical connection with the front face, 102, the left side face, 104, and the right side face, 106, and opposite the top face, 108. With this bottom face, 1 10, the cleansing cup, 200, can dispense with any direct contact with, for example, the demonstration table (not shown in the Figures), so as to prevent the cleansing cup, 200, from being polluted by any soil or other materials that may be present in the surface of the demonstration table.
Figs. 3 to 5 show some further variations to the casing, 100, of the mini-washers as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, especially in terms of the location and style of the transparent window, the additional faces, the decoration of the casing, and so on.
In the embodiments of Figs. 3 to 5, one or more of the connections between the different faces of the casing, 100, are established via a diagonal face, 1 14 or 1 14'. Typically, the connection between the front face, 102, and the top face, 108, is established via a diagonal face, 1 14. The diagonal face, 114, can be designed as a panel decorated by some patterns which make the mini -washer, 20, more like a real washer or washing machine, as shown in Fig. 3, wherein a casing button, 1 16, can be for decoration only, or be a real button for operating the mini-washer, 20, in a convenient way. Alternatively or additionally, the diagonal face, 114, can be designed as an observing face including a transparent window, which provides a more convenient view for the observer, as shown in Fig. 4. The connection between the front face, 102, and the bottom face, 1 10, if there is, can also be established via a diagonal face, 114', as shown in Fig. 5.
An optional mark, such as a product logo, identifying the product to be demonstrated may be placed on the casing, 100. The mark, such as a color, a pattern, a character, a logo, a word, a letter, a claim, a slogan, a picture, a photo, a text, or a combination thereof, which are used to make the mini-washer, 20, look more beautiful, and/or to tell the user some related information, can also be used herein. Such an optional mark can be included on any one or more parts of the casing, 100, including the front face, 102, the left side face, 104, the right side face, 106, the top face, 108, the diagonal face, 114 and/or 1 14', as well as the transparent window, 120. For example, Fig. 5(a) shows a pattern, 180 on the left side face, 104, and Fig. 5(b) shows a corresponding pattern, 180', on the right side face, 106, simulating a real washer or washing machine. Such a pattern, 180 and 180', can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. The term "two-dimensional" herein means that the pattern is painted on the face and keeps to a substantially same plane as the face; the term "three-dimensional" herein means that the pattern is engraved or relief printed on the face. When the mark is included on the transparent window, 120, the mark can also be designed as partially or totally transparent.
In a further embodiment herein, the casing, 100, further has a cover, 142 (see Fig. 3), which fits and covers the opening, 140, so as to prevent the contents inside the cleansing cup, 200, from sputtering outside during the operation of the mini-washer, 20. The cover, 142, can be either fixed or removable. An example of the removable cover, 142, can be found in Fig. 3(d). A fixed cover can be attached on the casing or attached to the cleansing cup which can be separated from the casing and will be discussed in detail hereinafter. Optionally, the cover, 142, can be designed as transparent so that one can look through here to see the washing occurring inside the cleansing cup.
Fig. 3(a) is a back perspective view of an embodiment while Fig. 3(b) is a front perspective view of the same embodiment. Fig. 3(c) is a back perspective view of the same embodiment with the door open, and Fig. 3(d) is a front perspective view with the cover, 142, removed.
In Fig. 3, the casing, 100, further contains a back face, 1 12, in vertical connection with the top face, 108, in lateral connection with the left side face, 104, and the right side face, 106, and opposite the front face, 102. With this back face, 1 12, the cleansing cup, 200, can be contained within the interior space, 107, and can be prevented from being polluted by any soil present in the surroundings of the mini-washer, 20. Such a back face, 1 12, may also prevent the cleansing cup from accidentally fallng out of the interior space, 107, during use, storage and/or transport.
In an embodiment herein, the casing, 100, further has a door, 160, which is openable and through which, the cleansing cup, 200, may be removed from the casing, 100, conveniently as needed. Furthermore, with a door, 160, the interior space, 107, can be fully used by putting some small articles inside, i.e., for storage, without disturbing the normal operation of the mini-washer, 20. The small articles include, without limitation, a test cloth, chopsticks, tweezers, scissors, forceps, a spoon, a scoop, detergent, and/or other articles that may be used during demonstration. Such a design will facilitate the demonstration. Optionally, the door, 160, is included on the back face, 1 12.
The cleansing cup
Figs. 6(a) to 6(i) show some non-limiting embodiments of the cleansing cup, 200,
Referring to Fig. 6, the cleansing cup, 200, has a cup body, 204, a cup bottom, 206, and optionally a cup cover, 202. The cleansing cup, 200, as well as any component thereof, 202, 204 or 206, can be of any shape, such as those shown in Fig. 6, as long as it is convenient to simulate the action of a real washer or washing machine.
The cleansing cup, 200, typically includes therein a stirring device, 220, and has a transparent portion, 240, which faces the transparent window, 120, of the casing, 100. In an embodiment herein, the cup body, 204, is substantially transparent except at the cup bottom, 206, and/or where the stirring device, 220, is located. This allows the cleansing cup to be put back into the casing at multiple orientations without impeding the view of the cup contents and actions from the outside.
In an embodiment herein, the stirring device, 220, is manually driven by a handle, 222, as shown in Figs. 6(a) and 6(b). In another embodiment herein, the stirring device, 220, is electrically driven by a button, 224, as shown in Figs. 6(c) to 6(i). The handle, 222, and the button, 224, respectively, can be of any shape and can be located on the cup bottom, 206, the cup cover, 202, or even on the casing, 100, through a proper connection between the stirring device, 220, and the casing, 100. As previously stated, the casing button, 1 16, which is located on the diagonal face, 114, of the casing, 100, as shown in Fig. 3(b), can function as a real button driving the stirring device, 220, inside the cleansing cup, 200 and may in an embodiment herein correspond directly or indirectly to the button, 224, here.
The stirring device, 220, can be of any style and/or any shape, such as those shown in Figs. 6 and 7, as long as it can simulate the action of a real washer or washing machine. The stirring device, 220, can protrude from a location selected from the group consisting of the cup bottom, 206, the cup cover, 202, and a combination thereof.
Figs. 6(a), 6(c), 6(d) and 6(i) show some examples of the stirring device, 220, protruding from the cup bottom, 206. In this case, the cup bottom, 206, has a thickness sufficient to contain a gearing device and/or a power supply device (not shown) to drive the stirring device, 220. As can be seen from these figures, the stirring device, 220, protruding from the cup bottom, 206, can have a size varying within a very broad range, as long as it can agitate the water to move inside the cup, 200.
Figs. 6(b), 6(e) and 6(f) show some examples of the stirring device, 220, protruding from the cup cover, 202. In this case, the cup cover, 202, has a thickness enough to contain a gearing device and/or a power supply device (not shown) to drive the stirring device, 220. Such a construction is particularly advantageous for taking the test cloth from the cleansing cup. Even if the test cloth entangles with the stirring device, 220, during the operation, it will be easy to separate it from the stirring device since the stirring device, 220, can be removed from the cleansing cup and exposed to the operator.
Fig. 6(g) shows a stirring device combination, 220 and 220', protruding from the cup cover, 202, and the cup bottom, 206, respectively. The stirring devices, 220 and 220', can be driven separately by respective triggers, such as, the buttons, 224 and 224', so as to provide various stirring effects. Alternatively, the stirring devices, 220 and 220', can be driven by a same trigger (not shown). Generally, such a combination can provide a stronger stirring effect than the case in which only one stirring device is present. There is no particular limitation about the number of the stirring device, 220, as long as they can be contained and work properly inside the cup, 200. For example, Fig. 6(i) shows three stirring devices located on the cup bottom, 206. In an embodiment herein, the cleansing cup contains a plurality of stirring devices, preferably from 2 to 4 stirring devices.
Fig. 6(h) shows a stirring device, 220, running through the whole height of the cup body, 204. In this case, the stirring device, 220, can be permanently fixed at one of the cup cover, 202, and the cup bottom, 206, and be removably fixed at the other one. Such a stirring device, 220, can provide a thorough stirring effect. In an embodiment herein, the stirring device is operatively connected to an electric motor such as is standard in the market, which is further operatively connected to a power supply device and a switch to turn the motor on and off. The power supply device is typically a battery, or a plurality of batteries. In such an embodiment the electric motor, power supply and/or switch may be sealed to prevent liquid contamination and/or short circuiting thereof.
In an embodiment herein, the cup cover, 202, has a fixing device, 260, through which the cup cover, 202, can be openably fixed to the cup body, 204, as shown in Figs. 6(e) and 6(f). This is particularly advantageous especially when the stirring device, 220, protrudes from the cup cover, 202. During the stirring process, the torque produced by the stirring device, 220, tends to make the cup cover, 202, away from the cup body, 204, resulting in danger and inefficiency. Such a design can advantageously solve this problem.
In an optional embodiment, the cleansing cup, 200, has a drainpipe, 280, so as to avoid discharging the water by turning over the whole mini-washer especially when the cleansing cup, 200, is permanently fixed to the casing, 100. In a further optional embodiment, the drainpipe, 280, is located in or near the cup bottom, 206. The recitation "located in the cup bottom, 206" means that the drainpipe, 280, protrudes outside from the cup bottom, 206, and is operably connected to the cup bottom, 206, as shown in Fig. 6(f). The recitation "located near the cup bottom, 206" means that the drainpipe, 280, protrudes outside from and is operably connected to the cup body, 204, at a location near the cup bottom, 206, so that the water inside the cup body, 204, can be easily emptied out by inclining the cleansing cup, 200, or the whole mini-washer, 20, within up to 45 0 of the horizontal direction, as shown in Figs. 6(b) and 6(c).
Please note that the casing cover, 142, and the cup cover, 202, may mean a same component of a mini-washer with the casing, 100, and the cleansing cup, 200, assembled together. In other embodiments, the casing cover, 142 and the cup cover, 202 may be separate and distinctly different pieces.
According to the present invention, the cleansing cup, 200, has a transparent portion, 240, which faces the transparent window, 120, of the casing, 100, so as to allow the observer to observe the action inside the cleansing cup, 200. In an embodiment herein, the whole of the cup body, 204, is made as transparent.
Fig. 7(a) and (b) shows embodiments of stirring devices useful herein. The assembly of the casing and the cleansing cup
According to the present invention, the casing, 100, and the cleansing cup, 200, are manufactured separately and then the cleansing cup, 200, is put and fixed in the interior space, 107, of the casing, 100.
The casing, 100, and the cleansing cup, 200, can be manufactured by any process known to those skilled in the art. The materials used to make the casing, 100, and/or the cleansing cup, 200, are not particularly limited, as long as they do not adversely affect the function of the mini-washer according to the present invention. The suitable materials to make the casing, 100, include, for example, a plastic, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinylchloride (PVC), cloth, rubber, paperboard, metal and/or leather; or a plastic, rubber and/or foam; or a plastic. The casing, 100, can be made of one or more kinds of materials, depending on the function of various parts of the casing, 100. For example, the transparent window, 120, is made of transparent materials, such as PE, PP or PVC plate, while other parts of the casing, 100, can be made of paperboard. The suitable materials to make the cleansing cup, 200, include, for example, a plastic and/or glass, which can be made transparent.
Preferably, the casing, 100, and the cleansing cup, 200, are made of water-proof and/or stain-proof materials, or are treated by water-proof and/or stain-proof coatings, so as to make them easy to clean.
The cleansing cup, 200, can be permanently or removably fixed in the interior space of the casing, 100.
Figs. 8(a) and 8(b) show a clamp, 300, which is used to fix the cleansing cup, 200, in place in the interior space, 107 of the casing, 100. The clamp is attached to the casing, 100 (as shown in dashed lines), and protrudes into the interior space, 107, of the casing from three faces, i.e., the front face, the left side face, and the right side face. The clamp includes two parts, i.e., the upper part and the lower part. The two parts can be same or different, which depends on the shape of the cleansing cup. The opening of the clamp, 300, should fit the outer diameter of the cleansing cup. The arrow shows the direction along which the cleansing cup, 200, is fixed into the opening of the clamp, 300. Figs. 8(c) and 8(d) show the assembled state with the cleansing cup, 200, fixed by the clamp, 300, in the casing. In an embodiment herein, the cleansing cup, 200, can be removed from the clamp, 300, along a direction opposite to the arrow as shown in Fig. 8(a). In an embodiment, the cleansing cup is removable from a clamp attached to the casing, and the top face can be integral without any opening. In this case, the demonstration can be performed according to the following steps:
remove the cleansing cup, 200, from the clamp, 300;
put a detergent, water, and a test cloth into the cleansing cup, 200;
fix the cleansing cup, 200, with the detergent, water, and the test cloth therein, in the interior space of the casing by the clamp, 300;
drive the stirring device, 220.
Such a design is particularly advantageous since it is possible to only clean the cleansing cup, 200, after each demonstration, and the top face of the casing can function as a cover of the cleansing cup, 200, dispensing with an additional cover.
Alternatively, the top face has an opening which fits the opening of the cleansing cup, 200. In this case, the cleansing cup, 200, can be permanently fixed in the casing.
Fig. 9 shows another clamp, 300, by which the cleansing cup, 200, can be permanently fixed in the interior space of the casing. Such a clamp, 300, should include a
ΠΠ attiiftiprl †n
or as the top face of the casing, has an opening, 302, and the interior space of the casing includes a recession, 304, formed in the bottom part of the clamp, 300, which is attached to or as the bottom face of the casing. The opening, 302, tightly fits the outer diameter of the cleansing cup, 200, at its opening, and the recession, 304, tightly fit the outer diameter of the cleansing cup, 200, at the cup bottom. Fig. 9(b) shows the assembled state with the cleansing cup, 200, fixed by the clamp, 300, in the casing.
Alternatively, when the cleansing cup is of a shape that the opening has a larger outer diameter than the bottom, the cleansing cup can be removably fixed by the clamp as shown in Fig. 9(a), along the up and down direction. In this case, it is preferable that a removable fixer, for example, located on the opening, is used to keep the cleansing cup in place during the operation of the mini-washer. With such a design, it is possible to only clean the cleansing cup, 200, after each demonstration, and the demonstrator can put a detergent, water, and a test cloth into the mini-washer directly, just like he/she does to a real washer or washing machine, without separating the cleansing cup, 200, from the casing, 100.
Figs. 10 and 1 1 exemplify that those skilled in the art can make variations to the above-mentioned clamp, 300, or other equivalents, so as to match the construction of casing well. The variation can be made in terms of the location in the interior space of the casing, the shape, the thickness, and so on.
The subject matter described herein sometimes illustrates different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively "associated" such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as "associated with" each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components.
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those skilled in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein are generally intended as "open" terms. For example, the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to", the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least", the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to", the indefinite articles "a" or "an" should be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more". In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.
The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."
Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.
Next Patent: METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING INPUT